Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors across six African Immigrant Groups in Minnesota

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough African immigrants represent a large and growing segment of the U.S. population, there are little or no data available on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among this diverse population. This study compared the prevalence of self-reported CVD risk factors and health behaviors and examined the associations between immigration related characteristics and CVD risk factors and health behaviors across six African immigrants groups.MethodsData were from 996 African immigrants in the U.S., (37.9% Somalis; 26.8% Ethiopians; 14% Liberians; 8.5% Sudanese; 5.1% Kenyans and 7.8% others group) from a cross-sectional survey conducted in the Twin cities of Minnesota. Logistic regression models estimated the associations of demographic characteristics, and immigration-related factors (length of stay in the United states, English proficiency, income and health insurance) with prevalence of CVD risk factors (overweight/obese; hypertension and diabetes mellitus) and self-reported health behaviors (cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, conscious effort to exercise and eating a healthy diet).ResultsWe found a relatively low self-reported prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. However, significant differences were noted by country of origin. Using Somalis as our referent country of origin group, we found that Liberians and Kenyans were more likely to report having diabetes or hypertension. On all measures of health behaviors, Liberians were more likely to engage in more health protective behaviors than other individuals.ConclusionsAlthough African immigrants have different prevalence rates for CVD risk factors and health behaviors, there is a need to further explore the differences observed by country of emigration.

Length of Residence in the United States is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Immigrants: A Contemporary Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey

“…The percentage of racial/ethnic minorities in the US continues to rise and this diversification will, in part, be attributable to a rise in immigrant populations who will account for approximately 20% of the US population by 2060 . Immigrants are affected by unique factors that impact their CMR and subsequent health outcomes . Post‐migration socioeconomic challenges, poor education, and lack of health insurance are among some of the most important factors that are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic disease among immigrants.…”

“…8 Immigrants are affected by unique factors that impact their CMR and subsequent health outcomes. 9 Post-migration socioeconomic challenges, poor education, and lack of health insurance are among some of the most important factors that are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic disease among immigrants. Generally, immigrants are significantly less likely to graduate from high school compared with nonimmigrants, have lower earnings than US-born residents, 10,11 and are more likely not to have health insurance compared with nonimmigrant whites.…”

Blood pressure control and mortality in US‐ and foreign‐born blacks in New York City

“…This is important given the ethnic variations in hypertension prevalence and its outcomes among blacks, 7,9 with the various ethnic groups showing differential risk. 1,12,13 Findings from the few available studies show significant differences in hypertension risk, prevalence, and control between US-born The copyright line for this article was changed on December 12, 2017, after original online publication. 1,12,13 Findings from the few available studies show significant differences in hypertension risk, prevalence, and control between US-born The copyright line for this article was changed on December 12, 2017, after original online publication.…”

“…10 Moreover, although foreign-born blacks make up 13.2% of the nation's black population of African descent, 11 most studies treat blacks as a monolithic group, ignoring the contribution of important behavioral and lifestyle variations influenced by ethnicity on hypertension and its management. 1,12,13 Findings from the few available studies show significant differences in hypertension risk, prevalence, and control between US-born The copyright line for this article was changed on December 12, 2017, after original online publication. blacks and foreign-born blacks.…”

Evaluation of a cardiovascular education intervention with motivational text messaging among West African immigrants

“…or ideal target readings of blood pressure (BP), blood sugar (BS), and blood cholesterol levels (BCL) 4,[6][7][8] Evidence evaluating CMS showed WAI men were more likely to rapidly gain weight in the first two years after arrival to the U.S., less likely to exercise, and due lack of health insurance showed worse CMS profiles. 2 In instances where WAIs living in the U.S. were either obese or overweight, health behaviors (i.e.…”